5 days / 4 nights from $1351 per person twin share.
Extend your India experience with this great extension tour to Varanasi. Highlights include morning & evening boat ride on the River Ganges, rickshaw ride, visit to Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first message of the middle path to final nirvana.
Itinerary
Day 1 : In Delhi (B)
Today you will already be in Delhi after completing your main India Travel Specialists’ tour. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure relaxing in your hotel or hit the shops!
Overnight at the hotel
Day 2 : Delhi to Varanasi (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport to connect with flight to Varanasi.
Varanasi is a holy city; its life is dedicated to Siva. Like Jerusalem, Rome, and Athens, Varanasi is one of the world’s ancient living cities. It is the center of Hindu culture; like Jerusalem it is seen as a holy land and has survived the centuries because of its sanctified place in Indian religious life. To die in Kashi (Varanasi) insures release, or moksha, from the endless karmic cycle of rebirth and suffering. Varanasi is India in microcosm, both the beautiful and the repellant.
In the evening we will take a rickshaw ride to the banks of the holy River Ganges where you will witness the beautiful and captivating “Aarti’ ceremony” at twilight.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 3 : Varanasi (B)
You will rise early this morning and take a boat ride on the Ganga past the ghats. Here, pilgrims gather on the steps that lead down to the river to bathe in the waters of the sacred river as the city begins to come alive in the magical misty light of dawn. You will walk through the streets and visit some of Varanasi’s many temples before returning to the hotel.
Today after breakfast, we take a short drive to Sarnath. It was here at the Deer Park of Sarnath that Sakyamuni Buddha, having achieved enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, delivered his first message of the middle path to final nirvana. Also of interest are excavated pillars from the time of the Maurya Dynasty (323-185 B.C) and stupas from as late as the 12th century. These were unearthed during the British archaeological explorations in 1836 and are housed in the museum on site. (Sarnath museum is closed on Fridays) Evening at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 4 : Varanasi to Delhi (B)
After breakfast, depart for the Varanasi airport to board your flight to Delhi.
Later in the afternoon, experience the ultimate entertainment and leisure destination, the magnificent “Kingdom of Dreams”. This fabulous Kingdom brings to life a blend of India’s art, culture, heritage, craft, cuisine and performing art, all with the technological wizardry of today. Enjoy the musical show at Nautanki Mahal, showcase of Indian culture combined with Bollywood style entertainment and storytelling
Overnight at the hotel
Day 5 : Depart Delhi (B)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi international airport to connect with flight to onward destination.
Inclusions:
- Return flights Delhi to Varanasi
- 4 star accommodation in twin sharing room
- Daily Breakfasts
- Own private a/c vehicle with driver
- All Entrance fees at the Monuments as per the itinerary.
- Morning & Evening Boat ride at Varanasi.
- Rickshaw ride at Varanasi.
- Services of English speaking Local guide during sightseeing at all the places as per the itinerary.
- Assistance at the airports.
- All currently applicable taxes.
Exclusions:
- Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
- Any Insurance.
- Any tipping.
- Any meals or beverages that are not specified on the above inclusions.
- Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and air plane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc.
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Any further tax levied by the government of India.
Special Notes:
- Prices are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations, amendments in airline surcharges & Government taxes and increase in fuel prices..
- Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.